We've all been told not to judge a book by its cover. But if we were to judge a vehicle's price based on its appearance alone, which ones look more expensive than they actually are? With so many vehicles on the market starting to look more like European-designed cars, it's easy to mistake a $30K car for a $50K car, and that's not a bad thing. For example, the Kia Optima has former Audi designer to thank for looking like something that should be on the same level as the Audi A5, and in SXL trim, it has all the amenities a more expensive car should have, such as Nappa leather seats.

The vw CC is sexy but I think only the the pre-facelift version has 50k dollar worth of sexy. The fusion, although, when I look at the fusion more an more it looks less breathtaking than it used to. I'm beginning to realize that the actual shape of the car is kind of boring boxy but it has really distinct visual accents. And that's it. A lot of people here are saying the 300 but I still think it looks like a car that's trying way too hard to be a Bentley. Honorable mention to the optima and new mazda3.

@lonniyoumanssby@gmail.com Why would you hate to admit that you drive a Hyundai Sonata if you have one. That makes no sense. You minus well not even have one if you cannot stand behind it. And also Hyundai has made vast improvement in their lineup so i dont understand why you are so ashamed to admit that you drive a Hyundai Sonata.

@Yoma The Toyota's made in the U.S. I'll give you that, but I don't believe I would like the Toyota compared to the Milan. Have you driven one? It rode much smoother than any of the other vehicles we test drove.

I'll throw in a vote for the Jetta sportwagen tdi in black, pano roof, 17" alloys. IMO, it looks just as upscale as recent optioned up 328i wagons, A4 Avants, and Allroads that all crest $50k once you start checking a lot of boxes.

This thread makes no sense. You first have to define what a $50K car is, E-class starts at this price but with little to no features, technically $51K doesn't even buy you leather, its an option! The cars that cost $50K + more often carry an upscale brand image to justify the price tag. Could I find the same amenities/quality in the E-class as in the Genesis sedan? Sure. The Genesis fully loaded barely touches $50k so does the base model at $34K equate to a $50K E-class where it has leather and the MB does not? So my point is any car can be perceived as worth more or less depending on what car one benchmarks it against. If Motortrend perhaps offered a starting point what $50K should buy you then it's easier to answer.

With out a doubt.... The Nissan 370z. Those are beautiful cars, and definitely (now especially since the base price was lowered) don't look like a 30k car. Easily could be mistaken for 50k IMHO. As well

The honda accord touring

The vw cc

The brz looks more expensive than it is, not 50k but it doesn't look 25k either.

The optima does look more expensive than it is. (Id give it and the accord about 40k)

No $30k car looks like it costs $50k. I think many cars look more expensive than they are. Such as the Kia Optima. But does it look like a $50k car? Not even close. $10k more? Sure. I can totally see someone looking at a $25k Kia and thinking it was more like mid-30's. But I can't think of a single car that sells at $30k and looks $50k. I read many of the cars people listed and I just don't see it. Fusion, CC, 300... Yes they look more expensive. No they don't look like $50k.

Avalon isn't a bad looking car but it doesn't look like a 50,000 dollar car either I honestly can't really think of a good example as some of the cars mentioned on this thread can run up yo 50,000 with options or engine upgrades. I would have to say the 300, because in SRT8 trim it is over 50,000. But none of these $30,000 scream $50,000 looks to me

The Chrysler 300 should be 50K, but at 50k, Chrysler knows they can't sell any. Chrysler should be a luxury brand. They have dodge as the mainstream brand so Chrysler can move upwards. Apparently no one wants to buy a 50k Chrysler so they price their cars as mainstream cars. The 300 would compete with the e class and 5 series along with the GS and a6.

I have wondered the same thing I do not know why they don't move up either they honestly should they would have some work to do on their lineup though the 300 is a really good car though I had test driven an 07 srt8 model and it drove great but I thought the interior was lacking the new ones are a big step forward in that regard

The Versa does look like it is worth 50K. That CVT is a world class transmission. The Sentra looks like it is pushing 75K. (Btw last 3 sentences were sarcasm). I will agree that the Taurus is not exactly looking more expensive than it is. It is kind of like the ugly cousin to the Fusion.